ALL FOUR winning WAFL Women’s sides shared in an equal league-high four representatives for Round 9, including East Perth who picked up its first ever home win, and second in club history. They caused a big upset along with Swan Districts, while East Fremantle and West Perth were the other winners. Claremont was the most represented of the losing sides with three players.

It was the round of the surprise packets and none were bigger than East Perth’s incredible hard-fought win over South Fremantle. Leading the way was midfielder Layla Firns who captains the hypothetical side after 28 disposals, three marks, five tackles, two inside 50s and a goal. She was joined in the side by three teammates in an all-time club record of four, with those trio being defender Sabella Banks, forward Lucy Greenwood and midfielder Jess Verbrugge.

West Perth enjoyed a massive win over Peel Thunder, and forward Kayla Van Den Heever had a breakout game. The teenager booted four goals from 18 touches and six marks in the win, and was handed the vice-captaincy of the Team of the Week. She sat inside 50 alongside Mia Russo and Brooke Hongell, while winger Taylor Ferguson assumed her niche spot.

Swan Districts’ memorable win over Claremont – the Tigers’ first home and away season loss since 2022 – resulted in a quartet of players making the team. Defenders Eliza Gelmi and Isabella Edgley were crucial in the back half of the ground, while up forward Taylah Edwards was dangerous, and Emma Humphries made it onto the bench.

The other winning side on the weekend was East Fremantle, with skipper Ashleigh Gomes named in the centre, while ruck Laura Catherine slotted into the starting role. Up forward, Ash Atkins got the side fired up early, while Chloe Wrigley had an all-round consistent game to make the team.

Claremont might have lost but the Tigers still managed three representatives in the Round 9 Team of the week. Winger Eva O’Donnell and midfielder Claudia Wright both stood out, as did Emily Bonser who was named on the bench.

Completing the back six are a trio of players from losing sides with Peel Thunder’s Ebony Dowson, South Fremantle’s Hunter Cronin and Subiaco’s Beatrice Devlyn all deserving of spots in the side. Rounding out the remaining 24-strong squad were Subiaco’s Mikayla Smith and South Fremantle’s Alyssa Smogavec who were named on the bench.

2024 WAFLW TEAM OF THE WEEK: ROUND 9

B: Hunter Cronin (South Fremantle) – Isabella Edgley (Swan Districts) – Eliza Gelmi (Swan Districts)
HB: Ebony Dowson (Peel Thunder) – Beatrice Devlyn (Subiaco) – Sabella Banks (East Perth)
C: Taylor Ferguson (West Perth) – Ash Gomes (East Fremantle) – Eva O’Donnell (Claremont)
HF: Mia Russo (West Perth) – Taylah Edwards (Swan Districts) – Lucy Greenwood (East Perth)
F: Kayla Van Den Heever (West Perth) (vc) – Ash Atkins (East Fremantle) – Brooke Hongell (West Perth)
R: Laura Catherine (East Fremantle) – Claudia Wright (Claremont) – Layla Firns (East Perth) (c)

INT: Emily Bonser (Claremont) – Emma Humphries (Swan Districts) – Mikayla Smith (Subiaco) – Alyssa Smogavec (South Fremantle) – Chloe Wrigley (East Fremantle) – Jess Verbrugge (East Perth)

EMG: Hope Arrowsmith (South Fremantle) – Holly Britton (Peel Thunder) – Bianca Webb (West Perth)